Maison Margiela Names Glenn Martens As Its New Creative Director
It’s now official: Glenn Martens is taking over the creative reins at Maison Margiela.
The Belgian designer, who is also artistic director of Diesel, succeeds John Galliano, who stepped down as creative director in December after 10 years in the role.
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Martens rose to fashion fame as creative director at now-shuttered Y/Project, gaining a cult following for his distinct avantgarde silhouettes, deconstructed pieces and twisted shapes with a cool, streetwear-inflected sensibility.
In October 2020, he was tapped by Diesel’s president Renzo Rosso to step up as artistic director of the brand, his ability to translate conceptual ideas into wearable looks — and infuse the cheeky wit the brand was known for in the 90s back into the brand — helping to propel Diesel back into the fashion zeitgeist.
A firm celebrity favorite, his creations are worn by the likes of Beyonce, Kylie Jenner, Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipa.
‘I have worked with Glenn for years, I have witnessed his talent, and I know what he is capable of,’ said Rosso, who is chairman of OTB Group, which also owns Maison Margiela.
Like Maison Margiela’s founder, Martin Margiela, Martens hails from Belgium and studied at Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
In 2022, he turned his hand to couture as a guest designer for Jean Paul Gaultier, where he landed his first job in fashion. ‘Glenn…has already shown his prowess and his vision in couture,’ Rosso said.
Nevertheless, Martens will have big shoes to fill. Under Galliano, Maison Margiela rose to become one of fashion’s most talked about brands following his Spring 2024 Artisanal couture show, a performance that went viral for its powerful and unfettered sense of creativity.
‘Galliano had unleashed something – an energy so pure in its creative expression, so shocking (haute pubes!) that it took your breath away,’ Claudia Croft said in an article for ELLE UK at the time. ‘The commitment to craft and the desire to produce moments that provoked an emotional response marked a significant vibe shift away from spreadsheets and It bags, shareholders and global growth plans.’
No doubt, however, Martins will rise to the challenge. In a statement, he said: 'I feel extremely honored to join the amazing Maison Margiela, a truly unique house that has been inspiring the world for decades.'
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